Cabinet structure



Dec. 30, 1958 w. E. GOEBEL CABINET STRUCTURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 21, 1954 L E H 00 T G N 5:. mm $3 1 W m NR 1E U A W Dec. 30, 1958 w. E. GOEBEL CABINET STRUCTURE Filed May 21, 1954' 4 Shgts-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WALTER E. GOEBEL MKM Dec. 30, 1958 w. E. GOEBEL 2,866,676

CABINET STRUCTURE Filed May 21, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

WALTER E. GOEBEL vv.so K n 51 41 6 M K. M

W. E. GOEBEL CABINET STRUCTURE Dec. 30, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 21, 1954 INVENTOR.

WALTER E. GOEBEL CABINET STRUCTURE Walter E. Goebel, Norwalk, Conn, assiguor to American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application May 21, 1954, Serial No. 431,380

24 Claims. (Cl. 312-257) This invention relates to a cabinet structure and more "particularly to a cabinet structure adapted to be assembled in a new and novel manner from prefabricated members.

In the manufacture and assembling of cabinet structures, consideration must be given to the amount of time required to assemble the cabinet structures, the relative sturdiness and strength of the structures after assembly, the space required to both store and transport the cabinet structures after their assembly, and the multiple use of the component parts relating to their interchangeability and use as different parts of the cabinet structure. In the past, it has been the practice to manufacture and assemble cabinet structures at their point of origin, i. 'e., at the manufacturing plant. Subsequent to the assembling of the cabinet structure, it was necessary to both store and transport'the same in their assembled condition. It is obvious that thereare many disadvantages to this practice of assembling the cabinet structures at the point of manufacture and the transporting of the same The fore to the consumer in an assembled condition. most disadvantages is the large amount of space required to store and transport the assembled cabinets.

It is therefore an object'of this invention to provide a cabinet structure that may be transported in a disassembled condition and assembled at the jobsite, thereby occupying a smaller space while being stored and transported from the place of manufacture to the job site.

Another object is to provide a cabinet structure that is lighter in weight, stronger in construction, and more sturdy when assembled.

Another object isto provide a novel means ofsecuring a pair of base cabinets to each other.

A further object is toprovide a novel hanger means for a cabinet structure, and

Other objects will become apparent'frorn the following Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the cooperative relation between a rail member and a rear upper corner of one of the base cabinet members,

Fig. 4 is a top fragmentary perspective'view of an inside top corner of one of the base cabinet members,

Fig. 5 is asview in section taken along the line '5--5 in Fig. 3,

Fig. 6 is a sectional fragmentary top plan view of the rail member secured to a base cabinet member taken along the line 66 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 7 is a sectional view in side elevation showing the .top frame member :and top :rail member securing means.

I y in an assembled position, 1 v a Fig. 9 is a-view in;section takenalong the ,linc;9-=-:=9 in Fig. .8,

Fig.;1-0:is aperspective view of the ;s,ubbase member,

Fig. 11 is a view insection taken along the line 1-1- +11 of ,-Fig. 10, butyshowing aportiontof a cabinet member mounted on the sub-base member,

Fig. 12 is a view insection taken-,along-the line= 12-1-2 in Fig. 1 1, I

Fig. 13 is a view insection,"takenalongzthe line 13-13 in Fig. .10, and j Fig. 14 is a view in ,perspective ,of vthe bottom rail member. I

Referring .to the drawings by numerals :of reference and particularly to Fig. '1, there is-shown a cabinet structure generally designated bythe numeral l. Thecabin'et structure -1 comprises a pair of base cabinet members generally designated as 2 and 3, aapair of: top andsbottom rail members generally designated as :4 and 5, a topframe 6, a bottomlframe. or: pan 7, and a front panelstructure The base cabinets :2 and Sam similar in construction and canbe usedinterchangeably oneither side of the cabinet structure. Since'the construction is similar and for reasons. of clarity and brevity, the detail construction of the base cabinetImember 2 will'be described and similar numerals with a prime will designates'imilar parts of: the base cabinet member'3. Thecabinet'memher 2 has a pairoffside walls "9 and 10,'a. rear wall 11, and a front framerrnember 12. The side walls -9'and 10 (and rear'wall 'l-llare secured 'to' a 'top wall 13 and-a bottom wall 14. The rear wall 11, as" illustrated in'Figs. 3, 4,'and 5, has a pair. of inwardly bent channel portions :15 extending vertically and'longitudinallyalong the :rear

edges and the top of the rear wall 11. The bottom {portion of thechannel portion 15 similarly terminates above the bottom edged the rear wall 11 and relative-to the bottom wall 14. The top-wall 13 has upwardly-bent web portions 22, 23, and'24 with inwardly bent 'flahge portions '25, .26, and:2'7,'. respectively. T he inwardly bent flange portions 25and 27' have downwardly extending stem portions 28 and.29. It should be noted that the downwardly extending stem portions terminate a predetermined distance from the: upwardly extending web portion 23 and'also from th'etop of the front frame member 12. The top wallmember 13 is positioned with the upwardly extending web portion 22 abutting the inner surface of the side wall 9, and the inwardly extending flange portion25'is in thesame plane with the top edge of the side wall '9. The upwardly extendingweb portion 24 similarly abuts the inner surface of the side wall 10 and the inwardly-extending flange 27 is in the sameplane as the top edge of the side wall 10/ Similarly, the upwardly extending web 23 abuts the inner surface of the rear wall 11 and the inwardly extending flange26 is'in the same plane with theupper edge of the rear wall 11. The top wall member 1-3 is rigidly secured to the side walls 9-and 10'and the rear wall'll by a spot weld along the upper edge or any other similar The bottom wall 14 has downwardly extending web portions 30, 31, and 32 with inwardly bent flange portions 33, 34, and 35, respectively. The flange portions 33 and 35'have stern portions 36 and 37 extending upwardlytherefrom. Thebottom wall 14 is positioned within theside Walls 9 and land the rear wall 11. The downwardly extending web portion 30'abuts the inner surface of the side wall 9 and the inwardly extending flange 33 is in the same plane as the bottom edge of the sidewall 9. The downwardly extending'web portion 32 abuts the inner surface of the side wall and the inwardly extending flange portion 35 is in the same plane as the bottom edge of the side wall 10. Similarly, the downwardly extending web portion 31" abuts the inner surface of the rear wall 11 and the inwardly extending "flange portion 34 is in the same plane as the bottom edge of the rear wall 11. The top wall 13 also has an upwardly extending web portion 38 and an inwardly bent flange. portion 39. The bottom "wall 14 has a similar downwardly bent front web portion 40 and an inwardly bentflange 'portion 41. The front frame member 12 Chas anupper horizontal member 42 and a pair of vertical side. members 43 and 44'. The side members 43 and 44 .abutthe front vertical edges of the side walls 9 and 10 and are secured thereto. The upper horizontal member 42 is secured to the top wall web portion 38 and inwardly \bent flange portion 39. The bottom wall downwardly bent web portion 40 formsthe bottom edge of the front frame member 12. A cross bar 45 is secured to the vertical side members 43 and 44 in spaced parallel relation to the upper horizontal member 42 and is adapted to receive a drawer member. a The front frame member 12 .is adapted toreceive either a full length door that will close the opening between the vertical members 43 and 44, or a door that will cover the opening below the horizontal cross bar 45.

The top wall member 13 has a pair of U-shaped slotted apertures or socket portions 46 with its open end wall web portion 23 forms abridge across the open portion of the rear wall where the channel has been cutaway and forms a hanger or supporting means. The bottom wall 14 has a similar slotted aperture or socket portion 48 and a similar tab member49. When assembled, the base cabinet members 2 and 3. each have a pair of longitudinally extending bent channel portions 15 in their rear walls 11 substantially adjacent to their side walls 9 and 10.

The channel members 15 each terminate in hanger type slotted apertures or socket portions 46 and 48 adjacent the top wall 13 andthe bottom wall 14.

The base cabinet members 2 and 3 are secured to each other by means of a top rail member 4 and a bottom rail member 5. The top railmember 4 has a body portion 50 and end portions 51 and 52. The end portion 51 has an inwardly, bent and upwardly extending tongue portion 53 and a verticallyextending rib member 54. The rib member 54 is substantially adjacent the outer edge of the end portion 51 and adds strength and rigidity .thereto. A pair of horizontally extending rib members 955 positioned substantially. adjacent to the tongue portion 53 in parallel spaced relation to each other also function as strengthening members. The end portion 52 is similar in construction to the end portion 51 and has an inwardly bent and upwardly extending tongueportion 56 and a vertically extending rib member 57 substantially adjacent to the outer edge of the end portion 52. A pair of horiwntal rib members 58 are positioned substantially adjacent to the tongue portion 56 in spaced par fil IQlation portion 68 and add rigidity thereto.

to each other and add rigidity to the top rail 4. The top rail body portion 50 has an inwardly extending top flange 59 that extends from the top edge of the body portion 50. A stem portion 60 extends downwardly from the free end of the top flange 59. Both the top flange 59 and the stem 60 terminate at end portions 61 and 62 and inwardly of the tongue portions 53 and 56, respectively. The body portion 50 has a bottom flange 63 extending from the bottom edge thereof in spaced parallel relation to the top flange 59 and is longitudinally co extensive therewith. It should be noted that the bottom flange 63 extends a greater distance away from the body portion 50 than the top flange 59. A stem portion 64 extends upwardly from the free end of the bottom flange 63. t The end portions of flange 63 and stem portion 64 are in the same vertical planes as the end portion of the flange 59 and stem portion 60.

The bottom rail 5, see Fig. 14, is substantially the same as but inverted relative to rail 4 and has a body portion 65 and a pair of end portions 66 and 67. The end portion 66 has an inwardly and downwardly bent tongue portion 68 extending therefrom and a vertical rib member 69 substantially adjacent the outer edge of the end portion 66. A pair of horizontally extending rib members 70 are positioned substantially adjacent the tongue The end portion 67 has an inwardly bent and downwardly extending tongue portion 71 extending therefrom and a vertical extending rib member 72 substantially adjacent to the outer edge of the end portion 67. A pair of horizontally extending rib members 73 are positioned adjacent to the tongue portion 71. The bottom rail body portion 65 has a top flange 74 extending inwardly from its top edge. The top flange 74 has a stem portion 75 extending downwardly an'upwardly bent stem 96. The front member 78 15 from its free end. The body portion has a bottom inwardly extending flange member 76 extending inwardly from the bottom edge thereof. A stem portion 77 extends upwardly from the free end of the bottom flange portion 76; 40v

The top frame 6 has a front member 78, a rear member 79, and a pair of parallel side members 80 and 81. The side members 80 and 81 are Z-shaped channel members. The side member 80 has a. body portlon 82, an outwardly bent top flange 83 ,and a downwardly extending stern portion 84. The flange portion 83 and stem portion 84 terminate at a rear edge 85 ad acent to the rear member 79. The body portion 82 has an inwardly bent bottom flange 86. The bottom flange 86 has an upwardly extending stem portion 87. The side member 81 is similar to the side member 80 and has a body portion 88 and an outwardly extending top flange 89. The outwardly bent top flange 89 has a downwardly bent stem portion 90. The top flange 89 and the stem portion 90 terminate in a rear edge 91 adjacent to the rear member 79. The body portion 88 has an inwardly bent tion 90. The rear member 79 has a body portion 92 and an outwardly bent top flange 93. The top flange 93 has a downwardly extending stern portion 94. The body portion92 has an inwardly bent bottom flange 95 and channel shaped and has a body portion 97, an inwardly bent top flange 98, and an inwardly bent bottom flange 99. The inwardly bent top flange 98 has a downwardly extending stem portion 98% The inwardly bent bottom flange 99 has a stem portion 100 extending downwardly therefrom. The top frame front member 78 is secured at its edge portions to the side member body portions 82 and 88. The rear member 79 is similarly secured to the side member body portions 82 and 88. A reinforcing member 101 is secured to the side member body portion 82, bottom flange 86, and upwardly extending stem 87.

The reinforcing member 101 is also secured to the rear member body portion 92, bottom flange 95, and upwardly extends diagonally across the intersection of the side member .80 andrear member 79 and adds rigidity to the top frame 6. A reinforcing member 102 is similarly secured to the side member 81 and the rear member 79 and also adds rigidity and strength to the top frame member 6.

The bottom frame 7 is substantially similar in con struction to the top frame 6. The bottom frame 7 has a front member 163, a rear member 104, and a pair of side members 105 and 106. The side member 105 has a body portion 107 and an inwardly bent top flange 108. The body portion 107 has an outwardly bent bottom flange 109 extending from its bottom edge. A stem portion 110 extends upwardly from the bottom flange 109. The flange portion 109 and stem portion 110 terminate at a rear edge portion 111 adjacent to the rear member 104. The side member 106 has a body portion 112 and an inwardly bent top flange 113. The body portion 112 has an outwardly bent bottom flange 114 extending from its bottom edge. A stem 115 extends upwardly from the free end of the bottom flange 114. The bottom flange 114 and stem 115 terminate at a rear edge portion 116 adjacent to the rear member 104. The rear member 104 has a body portion 104 and an inwardly bent top flange 117. The body portion 104 has an outwardly bent bottom flange 11$ extending from its bottom edge. A stem portion 119 extends upwardly from the free end of the bottom flange 118. The front member 103 has a body portion 120 and an inwardly bent top flange portion 121. The body portion 120 has an outwardly bent bottom flange 122 extending from its bottom edge. A stem portion 123 extends upwardly from the free end of the bottom flange 122. The ends of the front member body portion 120 are secured to the ends of the side member body portion 107 and 112 with the side members 105 and 106 extending normal thereto. The rear member body portion 104 is secured to the other ends of the side member body portions 107 and 112, thus forming a rectangular framelike member. A plate member 124 is positioned in overlying relation to the top of the lower frame member 7 and its edges are secured to the respective inwardly extending top flange portions of the front member 103, rear member 104, and side members 105 and 106.

The front panel structure 8 has a pair of vertical members 125 and 126. The vertical members are parallel to each other and spaced from each other. The vertical members 125 and 126 are secured at their lower edges to a lower horizontal member 127 and at their upper edges to an upper horizontal member 128, thus forming a framelike structure. The vertical members 125 and 126 are constructed to receive a pair of door members or a panel member to close the opening therebetween. The lower horizontal member 127 has a body portion 129 with an inwardly bent top flange 130 extending from its top edge.

The body portion 129 has an inwardly bent bottom flange 131- extending from the bottom edge of the body portion 129. A stem portion 132 extends upwardly from the free end of the inwardly extending flange 131. The upper horizontal member 128 has a body portion 133 which has an inwardly bent portion 134 and a downwardly bent portion 135. The downwardly bent portion 135 is parallel to the body portion 133 and spaced inwardly therefrom. Extending inwardly from the lower edge of the downwardly bent portion 135 is an inwardly 'bent flange portion 136. The inwardly bent flange portion 136 has a downwardly extending stem portion 137 extending from its free end thereof. The body portion 133 has an inwardly bent top flange portion 138 extending from its top edge thereof. The top flange 138 has a pair of tab portions 139 and 140 at its opposite ends.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown a sub-base member generally designated by the numeral 141 and is constructed so that the cabinet structure 1 may be positioned thereon and secured thereto. The'sub-base member 141;

, 6 has a pair of parallel side .memberls..142 and. 143. The side member 142 has a'body portion 144and/anji1wardly bent bottom flange 145. The body portion 144'has an inwardly bent top flange portion 146. A ,stem portion 147 extends upwardly from the free end of the inwardly bent top flange 146. The stem portion 147Ihas atongue shaped rear edge 148 and a front tab portion149. The side member 143 has a body portion150 and an inwardly bent bottom flange 151. The body portion 150 has an inwardly bent top flange 152 extending inwardly from its top edge. A stem portion 153 extends upwardly, from the free end of the inwardly bent top flange portion 152. The stem portion 153 has a tongue shaped rear edge .portion 154 and a front tab portion 155. Secured tov the front edges of the parallel side members 142 and 143 is a front member generally designated by the numeral 156. A rear member generally designated by the numeral 157 is secured at its free end portions to the inner surface of theside member body portions 144 and 150spaced'from their rear edges a predetermined distance. The front member 156 has a center member 158 and a pair of-end members 159 and 160. The end members 159 and 160 are G-shaped channel members. The center member 158 is also a G-shaped channel member with its outer dimensions equal to the inner dimensions of the end members 159 and 160. The center member 158 is positioned within the end members 159 and 160 and the-end members 159 and 160 are rigidly supported thereby. The opposite end portions of the end members 159 and 160 are secured to the side members 142 and 143 at their front edges. The front member 156 is so secured to the side members 142 and 143 with the flanged portions of the G-shaped channel members extending inwardly toward the rear member 157. The rear member 157 has a center member 161 and'a pair of end members 162 and 163. The end members 162 and 163 are Grshaped channel members. The center member 161 is also a G-shaped channel member having its outer dimensions equal to the inner dimensions of the G-shaped channel endmembers 162 and 163. The center member 161 has its end portions positioned within the channel members .162 and 163. The opposite end portions of the end channel members 162 and 163 are secured to the inner surface of the side member body portions 144 and 150. The rear member 157 is so secured to the side members 142 and 143 so that their flange portions extend inwardly toward the front member 158. Secured to the top flanges of the end members 159 and 162 in parallel spaced relation to the side member 144 is a U-shaped channel member 164. The U-shaped member 164 has a body portion 165 and a pair of upwardly extending side portions 166 and 167. The U-shaped channel member is so constructed that it will receive the bottom frame side member outwardly extending flange 109 therein, the side member 166 will abut the upwardly extending stem 110, and the side member 167 will abut the side member body portion 107. The body portion 165 is rigidly secured to the topflanges of the end members 159 and 162 and firmly positions the channel 164 in parallel spaced relation to the side member 142. The distance between the channel member 164 and the end member 142 is such a distance as to accept in a nesting manner the bottom wall 14 inwardly extending flanges 33 and 35. The upwardly extending side portion 166 has a tongue shaped rear edge portion 168 and a front tab portion 169. The side member 167 has a front tab portion 170. Secured to the inwardly extending. top flanges of the end members 160 and 163 is a channel shaped member 171. The U-shaped channel shaped member 171 has-a body portion 172and a pair of upwardly extending side walls 173 and 174. ,The'channel member 171 is so constructed to receive the bottom frame side member outwardly extending flange 1 14, the side wall 174 will abut the bottomframe side member body portion 112, and the side wall .173 willabut-the bottom frame side member stern portion 115. The. channel member body portion 172 is rigidly secured to the top inwardly extending flanges of the end members 160 and 163 in spaced parallel relation to the side member 143. The dimension between the side member 143 and the channel member 171 is substantially equal to the dimension between the bottom wall 14 inwardly extending flange portions 35' and 33'. The channel side wall 73 has a tongue shaped rear edge portion 175 and a front tab member 176. The side wall 174 has a front tab member 177. Thus, the sub-base member 141 is so constructed that it will receive the standard base cabinet members 2 and 3 and different sized frame members. The front and rear members 156 and 157 are so constructed that the end members can be adjusted so that the sub-base member is adjustable and may be used with different sized cabinet structures.

Assembly The assembly of this structure is substantially as follows:

The base cabinet members 2 and 3 are assembled as heretofore described and are positioned in parallel spaced relation to each other with their rear walls 11 and 11 in the same vertical plane. The top rail 4 is positioned with its end portions 51 and 52 abutting the base cabinet member rear walls 11 and 11'. The end portions 51 and 52 are so positioned that the inwardly and upwardly extending tongue portions 53 and 56 are inserted in the inwardly bent channel portions 15 and 15 adjacent to the base cabinet side walls 10 and 9', respectively. The top rail 4 is then moved upwardly toward the top cabinet walls 13 and 13' until the tongue portions 53 and 56 enter the slotted apertures or socket portions 46 and 46' in the base cabinet top walls 13 and 13'. The respective socket portions and tongue portions form a slip joint type connection for the cabinet members 2 and 3 and the top rail 4. Thus, the top rail 4 secures the base cabinet members 2 and 3 to each other in spaced parallel relation.

The bottom rail 5 is similarly positioned with its end portions 66 and 67 abutting the lower portion of the base cabinet rear walls 11 and 11', respectively. The bottom rail 5 is so positioned that the inwardly bent and downwardly extending tongue portions 68 and 71 are positioned in the channel portions 15 and 15' adjacent the base cabinet walls and 9, respectively. The bottom rail 5 is then moved downwardly until the tongue portions 68 and 71 enter the slotted apertures or socket portions 48 and 48', respectively, in the base cabinet bottom walls 14 and 14'. Similarly, the respective tongue and socket portions form a slip joint type connection for the cabinet members 2 and 3 and the bottom rail 5. When the bottom rail 5 is so positioned, the base cabinet members 2 and 3 are secured to each other and the rail members 4 and 5 are in spaced parallel relation to each other. It should be noted that when the tongue portions are so -inserted in their respective slotted apertures, the rail members are not in their final assembled position due to the tab members exerting a resilient force on the tongue portions which prevent the tongue portions from seating properly in the slotted apertures. frame member 6 to the base cabinet members 2 and 3 and also to the top rail 4, the top frame side walls 80 and 81 are positioned in overlying relation with the base cabinet member side walls 10 and 9, respectively. The top frame rear member 79 is inserted under the top rail inwardly extending top flange 59. This step is clearly shown in Fig. 7. When the top frame rear member 79 is ,so inserted, the body portion 92 abuts the lower edge of the top rail downwardly extending stem portion 60 and the rear member top flange 93 abuts the top rail body portion 50. It again should be noted that although the tongue portions have been inserted in the slotted In this initial position the top frame To secure the top 8 side member outwardly extending flanges 83 and 89 overlap the cabinet top wall inwardly extending flanges 27 and 25' at the bearing edge portions 85 and 91, respectively. The top frame member 6 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, i. e., the top frame front member 78 is rotated downward toward the front of the base cabinet members 2 and 3. Upon rotation the base cabinet top wall flange portions 27 and 25 act as hearing portions and the top frame side members 80 and 81 act as levers with the outwardly extending flange edge portions 85 and 91 acting as fulcrums for the levers. When the top frame 6 is so rotated, the top frame rear portion 79 urges the top rail upwardly and firmly positions the tongue portions 53 and 56 in the slotted apertures 46 and 46'. Also, during this rotation the top frame rear member outwardly extending top flange 93 is moved into abutting relation with the underside of the top rail inwardly extending top flange 59. The top frame rear member body portion 92 abuts the inner side of the top rail downwardly extending stem portion 60 and firmly secures the top frame rear portion 79 to the top rail 4. During this rotation of the top frame member, the top rail inwardly extending top flange 59 is moved upwardly to a position wherein it is in the same horizontal plane as the cabinet member top wall inwardly extending flange portions 27 and 25. In its rotated position, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the top frame side member downwardly extending stern portions 84 and abut the cabinet member top wall downwardly extending stem portions 29 and 28, respectively, and the side member outwardly extending flange portions 83 and 89 are mated with the cabinet member top wall inwardly extending flange portions 27 and 25', respectively. Thus, this one fulcruming operation both secures the top frame member 6 to the top rail 4 and also rigidly secures the top frame member 6 to the base cabinet members 2 and 3 in a plane parallel to the top of the cabinet members. Portions of the top frame side member downwardly extending stem portions 84 and 90 are bent inwardly around the cabinet member top wall flanges 27 and 25, respectively, thus locking the top frame member 6 to the base cabinet members 2 and 3.

To secure the bottom frame member 7 to the base cabinet members 2 and 3 and the bottom rail member 5, a similar method is used. The base cabinet members 2 and 3 may be either inverted or positioned with their rear walls on the floor surface so that the rotativc movement required for securernent may be accomplished. However, in order to clearly illustrate the method of securement of the bottom frame member to the base cabinets 2 and 3 and the bottom rail 5, the normal position as shown in Fig. 1 will be used. The base cabinet members 2 and 3 are positioned in overlying relation to the bottom frame 7 so that the base cabinet bottom wall inwardly extending flange portions 35 and 33' are in overlying relation to the bottom frame side member outwardly extending flanges 109 and 114. The bottom frame rear member 104 is inserted between the inwardly extending bottom rail flange members 74 and 76. In this position the rear member body portion 104 abuts the bottom rail upwardly extending flange portion 77 and the bottom frame outwardly extending flange portion 118 abuts the bottom rail body portion 65. The frame side member outwardly extending flange portions 109 and 114 abut the cabinet member bottom wall inwardly extending flange portions 35 and 33, respectively, at their rear edges 111 and 116. The bottom frame front member'103 is rotated in a direction toward the top frame front member and the bottom frame side members 105 and 106 function as lever members with the inwardly extending flange portions 35 and 33' of the base cabinet member bottom walls 14 and 14 acting as fulcrum portions. The rear edges 111 and 116 of the bottom frame side member outwardly extending flange portions 109 and 114 function as hearing portions for the bottom frame side members 105 and 106. When the bottom frame member is so :9 rotated, the bottom rail tongue ,portions 68 and 71 are seated and the bottom rail is moved downwardly until the inwardly extending bottom flange 76 is in the same horizontal plane with the cabinet bottom wall inwardly extending flange portions 35 and 36'. In this rotated position, the bottom frame rear member outwardly extending flange portion 118 abuts the inner surface of the bottom rail inwardly extending bottom flange 76. The bottom frame rear member body portion 116 abuts the inner surface of the bottom rail upwardly extending stem .portion 77 and the bottom frame member 7 is rigidly secured to thebottom rail 5. When the bottom frame is so rotated, the bottomframe side member outwardly extending flange portions 19 and 114 are mated with the base cabinet bottom wall inwardlyjextending flange portions 35 and 33, and the'bottom frame side member upwardly extending stem portions "110 and 115 abut the cabinet member bottom wall upwardly extending stern portions 37 and 36, thereby rigidly securing the bottom frame member 7 to the base cabinet member bottom walls 14 and 14. Portions of the bottom frame side wall upward- 1y extending stems 11b and 115 are bent around the base cabinet bottom 'wall 'flange portions 35 and 33, thereby locking the bottom framemernber to the base cabinet member bottom Walls 14 and 14.

To secure the front. panel structure 8 to the top and bottom frame members 6 and 7, see Fig. 2, the front panel member is positioned with its lower horizontal member 127 parallel to the bottom frame front member 103 and the lower horizontal member upwardly extending stem portion 132 is hooked around the bottom frame front member body portion 120. The top horizontal member 128 is then rotated towards the rear of the top frame member 6 until the top horizontal member inwardly extending flange 13S overlaps the top frame member inwardly-extendingflange 98. When the front panel structure is so rotated, the lower horizontal member upwardly extending stem portion 132 abuts the inner wall of the bottom frame front member portion. 121) and the lower horizontal member inwardly extending flange 131 is mated with the bottom frame outwardly extendingbottom flange, thus securing the lower horizontal member 127 to the front member 103 of the bottom frame. Thetab members 139 and 141) of the top horizontal member inwardly extending-flange 138 are bent downwardly and abut the top frame downwardly extending stem portion 98 thereby securing and locking the top horizontal member 128 to :the top frame front member 78.

As has been heretofore described, the cabinet structure 1, which is comprised of two independent base .cabinet members 2 and 3, top and bottom rail members 4 and 5, top and bottom frame members 6 and 7, and front panel structure 8, are rigidly secured to each other.

The cabinet structure may be used without the addition of "the sub-base assembly. However, to position the cabinet structure 1 a sutlicient distance from the floor, the cabinet structure 1 may be secured to a sub-base member 141. To so secure the cabinet structure 1 to the sub-base member 1-41, the cabinet structure is positioned on its back wherein the rear walls 11 and 11' are on a horizontal plane abutting the floor surface. The subbase member 1.41 is then positioned in overlying relation to the base cabinet member bot-tom walls 14- and 1-4.. The sub-base side member upwardly extending stem portions 147 and 153 abut the cabinet member bottom wall upwardly extending stem portions 36 and 37. The tongue shaped end portions M8 and 154 are inserted under the cabinet member bottom wall inwardly extending flange portions 34 and 34. The U-shaped channel member body portions 165 and 172 are mated with the bottom frame outwardly extending flange portions 109' and 114 and the channel member side Walls 166 and 173 abut the bottom frame side member upwardly extending stem portions 110 and 115. The channel shaped side wall tongue members 163 and 175 are insertedunder a base cabinet ,shaped channel member side walls 167 and 174 abut the inner wall of the bottom frame side member body portions 167 and 112. The channel side wall tab members 169 and 176 are bent over the bottom frame side member upwardly extending stem portions and 115, thereby locking the sub-base member 141 to the cabinet structure 1.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and is desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members, means having slip joint connections with said cabinet members and holding said cabinet members in spaced relation to each other, a bottom frame secured to said means between said cabinet members and to said cabinet members in parallel relation to the bottom of said cabinet members, a top frame secured to said means between said cabinet members and to said cabinet members in parallel relation to the top of said cabinet members, said bottom frame and said top frame coacting with said cabinet members to lock said slip oint connections in place, a front panel structure extending from the front edge of said bottom frame to the front edge of said top frame, and means operable to secure said front panel structure tosaid top frame and to said bottom frame.

2. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members, a top rail having a slip joint connection with each of said cabinet member rear walls, a bottom rail having a slip joint connection with each of said cabinet member rear walls and being in spaced parallel relation to said top rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, a bottom frame having a front member and a rear member, said bottom frame rear member being secured to said bottom rail between said cabinet members, said bottom frame coacting with said cabinet members to lock said bottom rail connections having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion,

means to secure said panel structure bottom edge portion to said bottom frame front member, and means to secure said front panel structure top edge portion to said top frame front member, said front panel structure being secured to said top and bottomframes in parallel relation to the plane of the front of said cabinet members.

3. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members having top walls with upwardly extending web portions, flange portions extending inwardly from said web portions and stem portions extending downwardly from said flange portions, a top rail secured to each of said cabinet member rear walls, a bottom rail secured to each of said cabinet member rear walls in spaced parallel relation tosaid top rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, a bottom frame .having a front member and a rear member, said bottom frame rear member being secured to said bottom rail between said cabinet members in parallel relation to the plane of the bottom of said cabinet members, a top frame having a front member, a rear member, and a pair of parallel side members securing said front and rear members to each other, said side members having outwardly extending flange portions and stem portions extending downwardly from said last named flange portions, said top frame rear member being secured to said top rail and said outwardly extending side member flange and stem portions beingmated with said cabinet top wall flange and stem portions respectively, portions of said frame stem portions and said cabinet top wall stem portions being bent to rigidly secure said top frame member to each of 'said'cabinet members, a front panel strucgames 11 ture having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, means securing said panel structure bottom edge portion to said bottom frame front member, and means securing said front panel structure top edge portion to said top frame front member, said front panel structure being secured to said top and bottom frames in parallel relation to the plane of the front of said cabinet members.

4. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members having bottom walls with downwardly extending web portions, flange portions extending inwardly from said web portions, and stem portions extending upwardly from said flange portions, a top rail secured to each of said cabinet member rear walls, a bottom rail secured to each of said cabinet member rear walls in spaced parallel relation to said top rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, a bottom frame having a front member, a rear member, and a pair of parallel side members, said side members having outwardly extending flange portions and stem portions extending upwardly from said last named flange portions, said bottom frame rear member being secured to said bottom rail and said outwardly extending side flange and stem portions being mated with said cabinet bottom wall flange and stem portions, respectively, portions of said bottom frame stem portions and said cabinet bottom wall stem portions being bent to rigidly. secure said bottom frame member to each of said cabinet members, a top frame having a front member and a rear member, said top frame rear member being secured to said top rail between said cabinet members and in parallel relation to the plane of the top of said cabinet members, a front panel structure having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, means securing said panel structure bottom edge portion to saidlbottom frame front member, and

means securing said front panel structure top edge por-' tion to said top frame front member, said front panel structure being secured to said top and bottom frames in parallel relation to the plane of the front of said cabinet members.

5. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members each having a top wall and a bottom wall, said top wall having an upwardly extending web portion, flange portions extending inwardly from said web portion, and stemportions extending downwardly from said flange portions, said. bottom wall having downwardly extending web portions, flange portions extending inwardly from said web portions, and stem portions extending upwardly from said flange portions; a top rail secured to each of said cabinet member rear walls, a bottom rail secured to each of said cabinet member rear walls in spaced parallel relation to said top rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, a bottom frame having a front member, a rear member and a pair of parallel side members, said side members having outwardly extending flange portions and stem portions extending upwardly from said last named flange portions, said bottom frame rear member being secured to said bottom rail and said outwardly extending bottom frame side member flange and stem portions being mated with each of said cabinet bottom wall flange and stem portions respectively, a top frame having a front member, a rear member and a pair of parallel side members securing said front and rear members to each other, said top frame side members having outwardly extending flange portions and stem portions extending downwardly from said last named flange portions, said top frame rear member being secured to said top rail and said top frame outwardly extending side member flange and stem portions being mated with said cabinet top wall flange and stem portions respectively, means to rigidly secure said top frame and bottom frame to said cabinet members, a front panel structure having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, means securing said panel structure and means securing said front panel structure top edge 12 portion to said top frame front member, said front panel structure being secured to said top and bottom frames in parallel relation to the plane of the front of said cabinet members.

6. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members each having a rear wall with a pair of apertures therein, a top rail, a bottom rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, tongue portions projecting from the end portions of said top rail, said tongue portions extending into one of said apertures in each of said cabinet member rear walls,

tongue portions projecting from the end portions of said bottom rail, said last named tongue portions extending into the other of said apertures in each of said cabinet members, a bottom frame having a front member and a rear member, said bottom frame rear member being secured to said bottom rail between said cabinet members in parallel relation to the plane of the bottom of said cabinet members, a top frame having a front member and a rear member, said top frame rear member being secured to said top rail between said cabinet members and in parallel relation to the plane of the top of said cabinet members, a front panel structure having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, said panel structure bottom edge portion being secured to said bottom frame front edge portion, said front panel structure extending upwardly toward said top frame front member in parallel relation to the plane of the front of said cabinet members, and means operable to secure said front panel structure top edge portion to said top frame front member.

7. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members each having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear wall, said top wall having an upwardly extending web portion, flange portions extending inwardly from said web portion, and stem portions extending downwardly from said flange portions, said bottom wall having downwardly extending web portions, flange portions extending inwardly from said web portions, and stem portions extending upwardly from said flange portions, said rear wall having a pair of slotted apertures therein, a top rail, a bottom rail, said rails being in spaced parallel relation to ech other, tongue portions projecting upwardly and inwardly from the end portions of said top rail, said tongue portions extending into one of said slotted apertures in each of said cabinet member rear walls with said tongue portions extending upwardly therein, tongue portions projecting inwardly and downwardly from said bottom rail, said last named tongue portions extending into the other of said apertures in each of said cabinet members with said tongue portions extending downwardly therein, said rails thereby securing said cabinet members in spaced relation to each other; a bottom frame having a front member, a rear member and a pair of parallel side members, said side members having outwardly extending flange portions, and stem portions extending upwardly from said last named flange portions, said bottom frame rear member being secured to said bottom rail and said outwardly extending bottom frame side member flange, and stem portions being mated with each of said cabinet bottom wall flange and stem portions respectively, a top frame having a front member, a rear member and a pair of parallel side members securing said front and rear members to each other, said top frame side members having outwardly extending flange portions, and stem portions extending downwardly from said last named flange portions, said top frame rear member being secured to said top rail, and said top frame outwardly extending side member flange and stem portions being mated with said cabinet top wall flange and stem portions respectively, means to rigidly secure said top frame and bottom frame to said cabinet members, a front panel structure having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, said panel structure bottom edge portion being secured to said bottom frame front member, said front panel structure extending upwardly toward said top frame front member "13 in parallel relation to the plane of the front of said cabinet members, and means operable to secure said front panel structure top edge portion to said top frame front member.

8. In .a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members each having a rear wall with a pair of apertures therein, a top rail, a bottom rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, tongue portions projecting from the end portions of said top rail, said tongue portions extending into one of said apertures in each of said cabinet member rear walls, tongue portions projecting from the end portions of said bottom rail, said last named tongue portions extending into the other of said apertures in each of said cabinet members, said top rail having an inwardly extending flange portion, and a stern portion extending downwardly from said flange portion, a bottom frame having a front member and a rear member, said bottom frame rear member being secured to said bottom'rail between said cabinet members in parallel relation to the plane of the bottom of said cabinet members, a top frame havinga front member and a rear member, said top frame rear member havinga body portion and a flange portion projecting outwardly therefrom, said top' frame rear member projecting flange and body portion being mated with the underside of said top rail stem and flange portions, respectively, thereby securing said top frame to said top rail between said cabinet members and in parallel relation to the plane of the top of said cabinet members, a front panel structure having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, said panel structure bottom edge portion being secured to said bottom frame front edge portion, said front panel structure extending upwardly toward said top frame member in parallel relation to the plane of the front of said cabinet member, and means operable to secure said front panel structure top edge portion to said top frame front member.

9. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members each having a rear wall with a pair of apertures therein, a top rail, a bottom rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, tongue portions projecting from the end portions of said top rail, said'tongue portions extending into one of said apertures in each of said cabinet member rear walls, tongue portions projecting from the end portions of said bottom rail, said last named tongue portions extending into the other of said apertures in each of said cabinet members, said bottom rail having an inwardly extending flange portion, and a stern portion extending upwardly from said flange portion, a bottom frame having a front member and a rear member, said bottom frame rear member having a body portion and a flange portion projecting outwardly therefrom, said bottom frame rear member projectingflange and body portions being mated with the underside of said bottom rail stem and flange portions, respectively, thereby securing said bottom frame to said bottom rail between said cabinet members in parallel relation to the plane of the bottom of said cabinet member, a top frame having a front member and a rear member, said top frame rear member being secured to top edge portion to said top frame front member.

10. In a structure of the character described comprising a cabinet member having a wall with an aperture therethrough,.a rail member, a tongue portion projecting from said rail member, said tongue portion extending into said aperture, a lever member having a bearing portion, ful- Qcnurn means abutting said bearing portion saidlever membenha-ving a portion engaging said rail member and operable upon rotation of said lever member about said fulcrum means to urge said tongue portion into said aperture and-rigidly secure said rail member to said cabinet member.

11. A structure comprising in combination a pair-of spaced supporting members each having a wall facing a wall of said other supporting member, said supporting members each having a second wall with an aperture therethrough, said second walls lying in the same plane with each other, a rail member, tongue portions being spaced from each other and projecting from said rail member, said tongue-portions extending into said apertures in each of said supporting member second walls, a lever member having a bearing portion, fulcrum means abutting said bearing portion, said lever member having a portion engaging said rail member and operable upon rotation-of said lever member about said fulcrum means to urgesaid tongue portions into said apertures and rigidly secure each of-said supporting members to said rail .member in spaced relation toeach other.

12. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members each having a side wall facing a side Wall of the other of said cabinet members, fulcrum portions on said side walls, said cabinet members each having a rear wall with apertures therein, a top rail, a bottom rail, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other, tongue portions projecting from the end portions of said top rail, said tongue portions extending into said aperturesin each of said cabinet member rear walls, a top frame member having laterally and oppositely extending bearing portions seating on said fulcrum portions, said frame member having a rear portion engaging said top rail and operable upon rotation of said frame member about said fulcrum portions to urge said tongue portions into said apertures and securing said top frame to said top rail between said cabinet members in parallel relation to the plane of the top of said cabinet members, means to secure saidbottom rail to said cabinet member rear walls in spaced parallel relation to said top rail, a bottom frame secured to said bottom rail between said cabinet members in parallel relation to the plane of the bottom of said cabinetmembers, a front panel structure secured to the front edges of said bottom frame and said top frame.

13. In a cabinet structure comprising in combination a pair of cabinet members each having a side wall facing a side wall 'ofthe other of said cabinets, a pair of fulcrum portions on each of said side walls, said cabinet members each having a rear wall with a pair of apertures therein, a top rail, a bottom rail, a pair of tongue portions projecting upwardly and inwardly from the end portions of said top rail, asecond pair of tongue portions projecting downwardly and inwardlyfrom the end portions of said bottom rail, said top rail tongue portions extending upwardly into one of said apertures in each of said cabinet member rear walls, said bottom rail tongue portions extending downwardly into the other of said apertures in each of said cabinet member rear walls, said rails spacing said cabinet members from each other,.said top rail having an inwardly extending flange portion, and a stem portion extending downwardly from said flange portion, said bottom rail having an inwardly extending flange portion, and a stem :portion extending upwardly therefrom, a top frame having laterally and oppositely extending bearing portions seating onone of said fulcrum portions on each of said side walls, said top frame having a rear member body portion and a flange portion projecting outwardly therefrom, said top member rear flange and body portion engaging the underside of said top rail stem and flange portions, respectively, andbeing operable upon rotation of said top frame about said fulcrum portions to urge said top rail tongue portions into saidapertures and to rigidlysecure said top frame to said top rail, a bottom frame having laterally and oppositely extending bearing portions seating on the other of saidfulcrum portions on each of said side walls, said bottom frame having a rear member body portion and a flange portion projecting outwardly therefrom, said bottom frame rear member flange and body portion engaging the underside of said bottom rail stern and flange portions, respectively, and being operable upon rotation of said bottom frame member about said other fulcrum portions to urge said bottom rail tongue portions into said other apertures and to rigidly secure said bottom frame to said bottom rail, a front panel structure abutting the front portions of said top frame and bottom frame and means to secure said front panel structure to said top and bottom frame.

14. A cabinet structure as set forth in claim 13 in which the fulcrum portions on each of said cabinet members comprises a portion of said cabinet member top wall and bottom wall abutting the side wall facing the side wall of the other of said cabinets.

15. A cabinet structure as set forth in claim 14 in which the bearing portions of said top frame and bottom frame comprises a pair of parallel side members each having outwardly extending flange portions, said flange portions bearing respectively on said top wall and bottom wall fulcrum portions.

16. A cabinet structure as set forth in claim 15 in which the means to secure said front panel to said top and bottom frames comprises a bottom frame front memher having a body portion and an outwardly extending flange portion, a front panel bottom portion having an inwardly extending flange portion, a stem portion extending upwardly from said last named flange portion, said front panel flange portion and stem portion being mated with said bottom frame front member flange portion and body portion, respectively, thereby securing said front panel bottom portion to said bottom frame front member, a top frame front member having a body portion, and a front panel top portion having a body portion and an inwardly extending flange portion, said front panel body portion being mated with said top frame front member body portion, and a portion of said frontpanel structure top flange portion being bent over said top frame front member body portion thereby rigidly securing said front panel structure top portion to said top frame front member.

17. In a cabinet structure, a rear wall having an inwardly bent channel portion, a top wall having a body portion and an upwardly extending flange portion, said body portion having an aperture adjacent to said flange portion, said channel portion terminating below the top of said rear wall, said top Wall being positioned and secured with the outer surface of said flange portion abutting the inner surface of said rear wall and said aperture being positioned in overlying relation to said channel portion, and a portion of said top wall flange portion forming a bridge across the upper end of said channel portion thereby forming a hanger means for said cabinet structure.

18. In a cabinet structure, a rear wall having an inwardly bent channel portion with a pair of parallel side walls and a front wall, a top wall having a body portion and an upwardly extending flange portion, said body portion having a channel shaped slot with a front portion and a pair of parallel side portions, said side portions terminating at said flange portion, said channel portion side walls terminating in end portions below the top of said rear wall, said channel portion front wall terminating between said side wall end portions and the top of said rear wall, said top wall being positioned and secured with the outer surface of said flange portion abutting the inner surface of said rear wall, said slot being in overlying relation to said channel portion, said channel portion front wall extending through said slot front portion, a portion of said top wall flange portion forming a bridge across said channel portion thereby forming a hanger means for said cabinet structure, and a portion of said top wall body ,portion between said flange portion and said slot front 16 portion being operable to be resiliently bent upward by a hanger member to rigidly secure said hanger member to said cabinet structure.

19. A cabinet structure comprising spaced cabinet members, a rectangular frame member positioned horizontally between and holding said members together, and a horizontal rail extending between said cabinet members and locked to said cabinet members and said frame member.

20. A cabinet structure comprising spaced cabinet members, a rail member extending between and having slip joint connections with said cabinet members, and a frame member positioned between and secured to said cabinet members and engaging said rail member, said frame member coacting with said cabinet members to lock said slip joint connections in place.

21. A cabinet structure comprising spaced cabinet members, a rail member extending between said cabinet members, said rail member and said cabinet members having cooperating tongue and socket means for interfitting engagement, a frame member fitting between said cabinet members and having opposite portions operable to fulcrum on said cabinet members, and means on said frame member engaging said rail member, said frame member acting through said last named means and upon rotation to urge said tongue and socket means into tight engagement.

22. A supporting means for a cabinet assembly comprising a rectangular frame having front and rear base members, locking members extending across said base members and projecting therebeyond, one end of each of said locking members being adapted to hook over a cabinet base flange, and means to secure the other end of said locking member to a base cabinet flange.

23. In a supporting means for a cabinet assembly, a cabinet member bottom portion having an inwardly extending rear flange, a rectangular sub-base member comprising a pair of U-shaped end members having parallel end portions, a front member, a rear member, said front and rear members being slidably positioned in said side member end portions in parallel spaced relation to each other, a pair of locking members extending across said side members substantially normal to said end portions and projecting therebeyond, one end of each of said locking members being adapted to hook over' said rear flange, and means to secure the other end of said locking member to said cabinet member bottom portion.

24. In a supporting means for a cabinet assembly, a cabinet member bottom portion' having inwardly extending side and rear flanges, a rectangular sub-base member comprising a pair of U-shaped end members, a front member, a rear member, said U-shaped end members each having a body portion and a pair of parallel end portions, said front and rear members each being slidably positioned in said respective parallel end portions, said body portions having upwardly extending stem portions adapted to be bent over said respective inwardly extending bottom portion side flanges locking said cabinet member to said sub-base member, a pair of locking members extending across said end portions and projecting therebeyond, one end of each of locking members being adapted to hook over said rear flange, and means to secure the other end to said cabinet member bottom portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,247,712 Ohnstrand Nov. 27, 1917 1,314,271 Kopp Aug. 26, 1919 1,381,501 Reigersberg June 14, 1921 1,729,865 Butz "Oct. 1, 1929 1,892,414 Ulrich Dec. 27, 1232 2,339,339 Kaser Jan. 18, 1944 2,438,257 Stevenson et al. Mar. 23, 1948 2,626,851 Whitmore Jan. 27, 1953 

